A couple of weeks ago,I had to consult a doctor for a minor problem. At the city centre of a well-known hospital chain,where I had the appointment, I was asked to fill in a registration form. Sitting down to fill it,I was shocked to find that I had to fill in not just my name, age, address but also my religion.
Religion???? Why on earth would a hospital want to know my religion? If they really wanted to find out which community I belonged to, my name would be a dead give-away. If they had just reproduced an official form, then it shows a total lack of sensitivity.
I firmly believe that my religion, or my faith, is a very private matter between me and my Maker, and I don't think anyone else has any say in the matter. There is too much religion in the public sphere causing too much trouble. I do not think even schools should be asking us to supply such information, so where is the question of a hospital doing the same? Why should they know what is my religion or community? Will a doctor refuse to treat me based on my religious beliefs?I find it ridiculous.
Needless to say, I did not fill in that particular column.
8 comments:
I know some fellow bloggers who have faced this during school admissions and calmly written INDIAN in the column. Especially in the case of mixed marriages.
I agree with you that its absolutely ridiculous that its given such importance. What is it to anyone?
Multicommunitarianism has done India no favours.
..and amen to that!
@Shalini:Exactly! What is it to anyone? I could have written "Indian" as you said, but I guess I was too angry with the whole thing...
@Cynic:Sorry for the rant, had to get it off my mind!
What to do, Meena? We live in a secular country on paper, but not in practice!
Very true, Padmaja!
When my wife was told to mention her religion, she wrote 'Spirituality', in a hospital form. Of course, nobody bothered--maybe it's just a formality and no one follows it up. But the senselessness is truly amazing.
When we were enquiring for my son's playhome admission, the lady asked, 'caste?'. I asked her why she should be bothered about my son's caste and she replied that it's a formality. It's difficult to escape these stupid notions in today's world.
Stupid notions - you said it, Vishwa! When it does not really matter and nobody is reading what you have filled up, then why have it there in the first place?
Hi Meena
I suspect that these forms were designed by the British Raj and tradition obsessed institutions in India continue to use them.
I agree there is absolutely no place for religion and caste in most anything in a secular and progressive society. However, those are the exact two things that people in power use to weaken their opposition so that they continue to hold onto to the power
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